It is not certain that sequestration will happen.
You think it's a good idea to lay people off now? The public sector has been shedding jobs steadily for 4 years.
Here is a clue for those who still need it: destroying jobs hurts the economy. It prolongs the recession.
Another clue: It is the president's job to avoid prolonging the recession.
Another clue: It is apparently conservatives' job to prolong the recession.